Chief Whip of the Jatiya Sangsad Md Nurul Islam has said that strengthening parliamentary democracy is essential for Bangladesh’s continued development, describing democracy as the cornerstone of national progress.
He made the remarks on Sunday during a meeting with a delegation from the European Partnership for Democracy (EPD) at his office in the Jatiya Sangsad complex in Dhaka.
The EPD delegation was led by Acting Executive Director Thijs Berman and Project Director Anastasia S Wibawa. The discussions centred on ways to reinforce Bangladesh’s democratic institutions, improve the effectiveness of parliament and support the country’s democratic process.
During the meeting, the Chief Whip said a stronger democratic system helps safeguard people’s rights and enables constitutional institutions to carry out their responsibilities more effectively.
He described parliament as the centre of democratic governance and noted that the Leader of the House, the Leader of the Opposition, the Deputy Speaker and many members of the 13th Jatiya Sangsad are serving in parliament for the first time.
Md Nurul Islam said members of parliament should have a thorough understanding of the Constitution, the Rules of Procedure and established parliamentary practices if the legislature is to function more effectively.
The Chief Whip added that building the knowledge and capacity of lawmakers would help create a more active, efficient and accountable parliament.
Speaking on behalf of the visiting delegation, Thijs Berman said Bangladesh is currently experiencing a favourable democratic environment.
He said the European Partnership for Democracy is ready to provide the support needed to strengthen the capacity of lawmakers and further improve the effectiveness of the Jatiya Sangsad.
Berman also praised the Chief Whip’s efforts to make parliament more active and effective.
Senior officials from the Jatiya Sangsad Secretariat also attended the meeting, according to a parliamentary press release.
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